I just got my Screw last week. Love it so far.

Anyways, I planned on getting a bedliner for it (either spray-on or plastic insert), but can't afford it yet, haven't had the opportunity to give up my truck for servicing, and haven't decided which type I want. The weathermen were predicting a snowstorm this weekend in our region so I decided that I'd better get some sandbags. However, I didn't want the bags to slide around and scrape the paint off the bed before I had a chance to get a liner. I figured that I would hit the local truck accessories stores for a bed mat to use until I could afford the liner.

I must have called 20 stores and they all told me. "We don't have one in stock, but we can order one for you." I'm thinking, "Yeah, but that doesn't do me a bit of good NOW." I ran across one bed mat (Protecta by Rubber Queen No 9055) at AutoZone for $49 or something like that. The box stated that it was compatible with all Ford 1973-On. It is a full size, but it is stated on the box that it "Can be trimmed to fit short beds". So I'm thinking, "OK. This may take some more effort, but it's managable. I can modify it to fit the SCrew." Well...

To start with, there are cutouts for the wheel wells. I found that these did NOT fit the wells of the screw. They cut wasn't wide enough and the mat bunched up against the inside of them, causing a bulge in the center of the mat. The cutouts are also more rounded than the SCrews wells. I decided that I could live with this. I cut off the top of the mat which was much longer than needed (1.5 ft or so). I assume that this is because the mat was designed to fit a full-length bed without the full cab. I then cut off the bottom of the mat which was about 5 inches or so too long. The mat was too wide at the points where there were no wheel wells too (the widest parts of the bed), again causing the mat to bulge in the center. Being in a hurry (as the storm was to hit within a few hours), I decided to tempararily settle and get my sandbags. I figured that at least the bed is protected, although not esthetically pleasing. I could cut it later to a better fit.

Even though the mat has been in the bed for a day or so, the bulges in it have not flattened out, even though I stretched it out. The way that they pack it into the box is like a folded blanket vs being rolled up. Is this normal? The creases put in the mat to squeeze it into the shipping box are still highly evident as the mat lays in the bed. I'm wondering if these will ever work themselves out. Maybe if it baked in the hot sun for awhile on a summer day. I don't know.

In addition. I must have gone through half a dozen razor blades just trying to make the 2 cuts thats I did. What a pain.

I wish now (hindsight is 20/20) that I would have just waited to order the mat that was cut specifically for the SCrew and spent a little more because this one if for the birds when trying to use it in a short bed. Reiterating what the box states "Can be trimmed to fit short beds". Yeah sure, but who has a box of 500 razor blades on hand and a couple of days to spare? The blades alone would problably cost me more than the difference in price. I suppose that I could have used a tin snips or something to try and cut it, but again: I was in a hurry.

That's just my opinion. Anyone have any similar experiences with generic mats that are supposed to be quickly modifiable?

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2001 Supercrew 4x4 Lariat (Gen III)
Dark Highland Green/Silver Clearcoat Metallic 2 tone
5.4L Triton V8
3.55 Limited Slip Differential
Trailer Tow - Class III
Heated Front Seats. 60/40 split (love the bucketed-type gen III benches)
Platform-Type Cab Steps
Engine Block Heater
Offroad 4x4 Equipment Group
Sliding Rear Window
6-Disc CD Changer

 

By now you're wishing Rubber Queen stuck to making kitchen sink mats only. The reason you had such a rotten time is because unlike other F150 bed models, ours is shortened from the front of the bed to make room for the extra cab space, where the others are cut off at the rear. This way, Ford's able to keep the same 139" wheelbase as the standard Supercab.

I found this out right away after buying the Paintsaver pad which had a note in it stating minimal cutting was needed for all Ford beds. In the Screw's case nearly half ended up in the trash...........

I too was lost as to why our wheelwells are squared off when the others remain rounded.
Maybe they did this so it's easier to put wheeled items in the bed such as riding mowers or ATV's. Ford only knows.

TL

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AS OF 10-10-00: 2001 Supercrew, XLT 4x4, Island Blue & Silver Frost. 5.4L, 3.55LS, 17 inch 10 spokes, Capt's chairs, Moonroof, 6 pack CD Changer, keyless entry, cab steps, Box Extender, Huskys all around, Duraliner, Outland Sport Bumper Guard, Excalibur 1000 Security system, Lund Grill Screen and A.R.E. LSII Tonneau.

Teds_Crew

 

Glad to hear that I'm not the only one who fell for the "easily modifiable" marketing tactic.

 

I have had bad experiences with "can be adapted to fit all models from 1936 - 2001" purchases too.

I bought a heavy duty custom fit SCREW bed mat for $75 that fits perfectly. Guy installed it (unrolled it in the bed) while I was paying for that and my other goodies. It only took a day or so to get the "packing humps" out. I had heard bad things about the Rubbermaid mats from friends so I bought the same type of mat for 97 F-150 so I knew this was the best way to go. Costs a bit more money, but there is no substitute for the right part.

I have seen a couple of trucks with the spray on liner (pretty sure one was Rhino) and it looked great. No cutouts for dirt and stuff to fall into. Of course it can't be moved to a new truck when you trade but I think this what I'll do if the bed gets too beat up. Maybe Ford will offer the composite beds like GM does on the Chevy someday. Wish I'd thought to add that to the comments on the survey I just filled out.

 

Where did you find the SCrew fitted mat? I have been looking but can only find a generic?

 

RCmerlin

I bought at a local "truck stuff" dealer. He had it in stock.

It is a franchise and they have a web site.

http://www.capworld.com/

I'm surprised you haven't found any locally considering how long the SCREW has been available. I've found everything I've looked for so far.